Defence Proposes Trial Kangaroo Management

Defence Proposes Trial Kangaroo Management
Program

In August 2007 a Defence-commissioned expert
panel reported on the environmental impact of the kangaroo
population at the Belconnen Naval Transmitting Station
(BNTS). The panel recommended actions that would achieve a
sustainable balance between kangaroo numbers and grasslands,
by translocating as many kangaroos as possible, darting and
euthanasing only where necessary, and implementing fertility
control measures. Since receiving that advice, Defence has
remained committed to translocation from the BNTS.

The ACT
Government commissioned its own expert panel to look into
these issues in October 2007, advising Defence on 27
February 2008 that its current policy did not allow for
exporting kangaroos and that an application to translocate
kangaroos from BNTS would not be approved. On receiving
this advice, Defence's contractor was directed to stop work
on translocation applications and to commence work to cull
through darting and lethal injection.

Defence, however,
remains interested in researching translocation options for
Eastern Grey Kangaroos, particularly given the considerable
discussion over recent weeks about the future of kangaroos
at the BNTS, . Approval has therefore been requested from
the ACT Government to undertake a scientific trial of
kangaroo management techniques, including translocation. The
cooperation of the ACT Government and key experts in
developing a proposal to support this scientific endeavour,
will assist in identifying a sustainable and responsible
approach to land management at BNTS and other
environments.

The trial would deliver scientific evidence
relating to translocation, assist the protection of
endangered ecological communities and threatened species,
and inform the debate on humane management of Eastern Grey
Kangaroos. Pending the ACT Government's response to the
Defence proposal, the cull of kangaroos at BNTS will be
placed on hold.

Defence understands that this is a
sensitive issue in the community and is taking every
precaution to ensure that these matters are dealt with
responsibly and in a manner consistent with its obligations
under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999.

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